News
Canada's credential recognition push
The first phase of the Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO) strategy was recently launched by Diane Finley, Canada's Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.
The FCRO is designed to help internationally trained individuals who plan to work in Canada get their credentials assessed and recognised more quickly. As outlined in the Canadian government's budget this year, $32.2 million has been set aside for the first five years of the FCRO's operation.
"Too many newcomers can't get jobs they have been trained for. That's a terrible waste, for them and for the country. Today, we are delivering on our commitment to do something about it," said Finley. "In our first phase, the Foreign Credentials Referral Office will help newcomers access what they need to become accredited, both in Canada for those newcomers already here, and abroad for those waiting for an opportunity to come to our country."
"Canada needs immigrants, and initiatives such as the FCRO will help attract newcomers and capitalise on their skills," said Wai Young, Interim Executive Director of the Canadian Immigrant Settlement Sector Alliance which represents 450 immigrant and refugee service agencies across Canada.
The new office will help people navigate through the complex system of foreign credential recognition in Canada. The office's approach includes:
• In-person services and a dedicated phone service operated by Service Canada at 320 outlets across the country by the autumn this year;
• An expanded online service that will help individuals identify occupations in Canada for which they may be qualified, provide them with detailed labour market information, and refer them to the appropriate regulatory body; and
• Increasing employer awareness of the processes for, and benefits of, hiring internationally trained and educated professionals.
In addition, the Canadian government will work directly with the provinces to speed up the entry of healthcare professionals after evaluating the success of a pilot project included in the recent Canada-Alberta immigration agreement. This project includes provisions to refer candidates with preliminary approval for permanent residence to Alberta licensing bodies to begin the process of recognising their credentials.
The government is also working with provincial and territorial partners to improve online services that help immigrants integrate into Canadian society. With this goal in mind, Canada has just announcing approximately $18.8 million in funding for New-Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Alberta, The Yukon, and Northwest Territories to enhance online information about settling and working across the country.
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26 June 2007